What happens when you start taking probiotics? Here are a number of signs probiotics are working when you first get started.
You may have heard quite a bit about the benefits of probiotics. However, how do you know what to expect when starting probiotic supplements? This article will discuss how to tell if a probiotic is working for you.
What Happens To Your Body When You Start Taking Probiotics?
When you start taking probiotics, it affects your whole body. This is because the bacterial colonies in your gut—or gut microbiome—impact various aspects of your health, from digestion to brain function.
Rebalancing of the Gut Microbiome
Many of the bacteria in your gut support your health, while others do not. If your gut microbiome is out of balance, harmful bacteria may build up. Probiotic supplements reintroduce helpful bacteria to your gut, which can then help reduce the quantities of bad microorganisms.
Improvements in Digestion
With a new microbial balance in your gut, it’s common to see improvements in your digestion. Probiotic bacteria assist digestion by processing certain substances, solidifying stools, and so forth, which can help with issues such as constipation and diarrhea.
Improved Bodily Functions
The role played by gut bacteria extends far beyond the digestive system, however. By limiting what types of organisms pass through the intestinal wall, they can have a positive effect on your health at various levels, including your immune system, energy levels, appetite regulation, and more.
Gut-Brain Axis
If your body is in good health, your brain typically will be as well, and vice versa. Various studies show some associations between mental health and gut health, which means probiotics may impact your cognitive function, mood, and so forth.
5 Signs Probiotics Are Working
With all that in mind, how do you tell when probiotics are working? The impact that high quality probiotics can have is often noticeable. In terms of what to expect when starting probiotics, consider the following.
1. More Regular Bowel Movements
Probiotics are often associated with improved digestion, which may manifest itself in the form of more regular bowel movements. Research shows that certain probiotic bacteria such as Bifidobacterium can decrease the intestinal transit time of stools, which can help with constipation.
2. Reduced Bloating
Reductions in bloating can also indicate that your probiotics are working. One review, for instance, showed improvement for people dealing with this, particularly when it came to abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea.
3. More Energy
Extra energy isn’t uncommon when it comes to starting probiotics. In fact, some individuals with chronic fatigue may see a noticeable change, with studies showing a correlation between gut health and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). This research found that the gut microbiome in patients with CFS was abnormal, suggesting that rebalancing the bacterial composition in your gut could help with fatigue.
4. Improved Mood
Various studies have indicated that there is a connection between the gut and brain. If you have a healthy gut, your body is in a better position to support brain health as well. The impact this has can be significant, with some studies even showing that rebalancing your gut microbiome could help with mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.
5. Improved Immune Function
Finally, the immune system and the gut are also connected. Probiotic bacteria help protect your intestinal lining, which keeps certain microorganisms from entering the bloodstream. This, along with the effect probiotics have on the levels of harmful bacteria in your gut, can help improve immune function. Studies even show that probiotics play a small role in preventing upper respiratory diseases such as the common cold.
Starting Probiotics
If you’re looking for probiotics that can help support your overall health, know that not all probiotics are equal. The higher the supplement’s quality, the better the likelihood that you’ll see positive results and fewer side effects. For instance, Dr. Ohhira’s probiotics are among the best available, making them an excellent choice. To learn more, contact Essential Formulas.
FAQs About Starting Probiotics
Does your body need time to adjust to probiotics?
Possibly. After starting to introduce more beneficial bacteria into your system, bloating and constipation may occur. That said, many people experience no symptoms whatsoever.
How long does it take for your body to adjust to probiotics?
It can take a couple weeks for your gut to settle into a new balance, after which any adverse side effects should go away. If they persist, you may need to adjust your intake.
Do probiotics help with colds?
Probiotics have been shown to have a marginal effect on your body’s ability to ward off the common cold.
What happens when you take a probiotic daily?
Probiotics help regulate digestion as well as various bodily functions, such as your immune system and even brain function. Usually, the results are positive improvements to your overall health.
Who should not take probiotics?
Individuals with severely compromised immune systems, pancreatitis, or open surgical wounds may need to avoid taking probiotics.
What happens when you stop taking probiotics?
Your gut is likely to revert to its pre-supplementation state within a few weeks.
Sources Used
ScienceDaily: Chronic fatigue syndrome is in your gut, not your head
ScienceDirect: Gut brain axis: diet microbiota interactions and implications for modulation of anxiety and depression